Abu Ballas, Archaeological site in New Valley Governorate, Egypt
Abu Ballas is an archaeological site in Egypt featuring two sandstone cones rising 461 meters from the desert floor, covered with ancient Egyptian pottery and stone artifacts. The twin hills sit in open desert, where these objects have become exposed over thousands of years.
During the Old Kingdom period, this site functioned as a supply station along a trade route connecting Dakhla Oasis with central African regions. This connection shows how people traveled across vast desert distances in ancient times.
Rock carvings, stone tools, and an engraved game board at this location reveal patterns of early Egyptian desert life. These objects show how people spent their daily time in this remote place.
Visitors need expert guides, sufficient water supplies, and protective gear due to extreme temperature swings in this remote location. Proper preparation for harsh conditions is important to make the visit both safe and manageable.
Archaeological research shows human presence from around 8700 to 5700 years ago, when environmental changes led to settlement abandonment. This long timespan reveals how persistently people stayed at this location despite harsh conditions.
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